March 11, 1959
CACOYANNIS: A major film has just been released in London to great critical acclaim. «A Matter of Dignity» by Michael Cacoyannis has received a warm reception, with praise going to its star, the Greek actress Elli Lambeti. «An ‘Athens school’ has been created thanks to Michael Cacoyannis,» «Two hours of magic» and «Elli Lambeti, the new face of tragedy» are just some of the comments. It is a pity there is no room to refer to all reviews in detail. What is certain is that this is the first time Greek cinema has received so much acclaim. CARNIVAL: This year’s Carnival was one of the liveliest in the postwar years. Once the only entertainment available to Athenians was a walk in the countryside, which began in Patission Street. Every morning people would gather there, and were often honored with a visit by the royal family on horseback. After lunch, the crowds moved toward the remains of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and at about 3 p.m. back again to Patission, where the philharmonic band would play until about 5 p.m. Afterward, everyone would head back to town, which was then confined to the area between Lycabettus and Mitropoleos Street. After 5 p.m., women would retire to their homes and men to the coffee shops for a couple of hours.
